It has its own unique international equipment identification number, better known as IMEI. Typically, this number contains 15 or 16 digits, and carriers use it to identify devices registered on networks. Being unique and difficult to change, it is possible to block the IMEI of a stolen phone from registering on the network. In some cases, IMEI can even track the location of the phone.
But how to find out the IMEI of the phone? I know several ways to find out IMEI - this is to enter a special code, look in the settings, look in the data about account etc. These and other ways to find out the phone's IMEI are described below.
NOTE. The serial numbers and IMEI numbers in the images below have been blurred on purpose.
How to find out the IMEI number of any phone, iPhone or Android:
Method #1: Dial *#06#
It doesn't matter which phone you have, it can be iPhone, Samsung or Xiaomi. If you enter *#06# on the dialing screen, your phone's IMEI number will appear. On some phones, you may need to press the CALL button for it to work.
The IMEI number can also be found in your phone's settings. On the iPhone, you will find it along this path: Settings > General > About. AT Samsung phones Galaxy and Xiaomi - "Settings" > "About phone".
Method number 3: IMEI can be written on the phone itself
Some phones have an IMEI number engraved on the back as well as serial number and various regulations. But, this method is only valid for older models, such as the Galaxy S7 or iPhone 6. You will not find them on newer phone models, as manufacturers strive to make their smartphones look as clean as possible.
Method #3: Look at the SIM card tray
Manufacturers still have to indicate the IMEI of their phones somewhere. That's why many of them started to engrave it on the SIM card tray. If you don't have a SIM eject tool, use a regular paper clip.
In addition to the above, the IMEI number of the phone can be found on the box in which it was when purchased. Sometimes, this is the only way to find out the IMEI of the phone if it is lost or stolen.
Method #6: View your IMEI in iCloud (iPhone only)
This is for iPhone owners only. Go to appleid.apple.com and enter your Apple ID and password. After signing in, you will see a list of all your Apple devices. Click on the one whose IMEI you want to know.
Method #7: View IMEI from another iOS device (iPhone only).
You can view the IMEI of one iPhone from another iPhone that is signed into the same Apple ID. To do this, go to "Settings" and click on your name at the very top and scroll down. Here you will see a list of all your devices. Click on the one whose IMEI you need to know.
Conclusion
Friends, if you still have questions on how to find out the IMEI of a phone, ask them in the comments below.
Every smartphone running OS android, have your own number International Mobile Equipment Identity ( international mobile equipment identifier) or in common IMEI. The number is unique and cannot be changed by an ordinary user. To tell you how to find out the IMEI of a phone and why it is needed at all, we have prepared a special material, which we want to bring to your attention.
How to find IMEI Android
The easiest way to find out the IMEI number is with a special USSD request. This method is absolutely free and works on any Android smartphone, regardless of what firmware is installed on it and who is its manufacturer - Samsung, Xiaomi or another brand. For this you need:
- Go to the dialer and enter the command *#06#
- In response, you will receive a message where the IMEI of the phone will be indicated.
One device may have two IMEI codes, this usually happens with devices that work with two SIM cards at the same time.
The second option is to check the IMEI in the settings. Depending on the smartphone model, the names of the menu items may differ slightly, but the principle is the same everywhere.
You can find out IMEI on Android using third-party applications. The most popular programs for this are IMEI and My IMEI. They have an elementary interface,and therefore the absence of the Russian language should not become a serious problem. 
What to do if the phone is broken or is in a locked state? How is IMEI checked in this case? There are several ways:
- Find the smartphone box and carefully examine it, often the manufacturer puts the IMEI number on one of the sides (most often on the bottom).
- Developers of older phones often put an IMEI sticker under the battery. Therefore, try to remove the battery from the device and check if the desired combination is there.
- Some modern gadgets come with the IMEI printed on the SIM card tray, so remove the component and inspect it carefully.
The last method that we will analyze today is suitable for owners whose smartphone is linked to an account.
Google . It needs to be online, that is, to have an Internet connection.
Why you need an IMEI number
In conclusion, we will briefly consider what can be found out by IMEI and why it is needed at all.
- There are databases in which users enter the IMEI of stolen devices. Check with them when buying a smartphone in the secondary market.
- From some manufacturers, by IMEI, you can find out the release date of the smartphone, which allows you to identify the device from problem batches.
- By IMEI code, phones are registered in the network. If your mobile is lost or stolen, you can contact law enforcement agencies, after which they will contact the operatorcellular communication, and he will be able to remotely lock the smartphone.
- By IMEI, mobile operators can determine the location of the phone, which is often used when catching criminals.
- Using IMEI, you can make sure that employees service center, to which you gave the device for repair, they will not slip you another smartphone of the same model.
Remember that IMEI is better not to tell other users on the network.
They may turn out to be intruders who later use your number for illegal deals.
Like people, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets and modems that use the cellular network to access the Internet have their own unique “identity document” that distinguishes them from each other. For a person, this can be an identity card, license or passport, while in the case of identifying mobile devices, this means the IMEI code.
IMEI (International Mobile Station Identity) is a unique digital code used to identify mobile, tablet smartphones and some types of satellite phones.
It can be found in the following locations:
- By entering numbers on one of the many sites dedicated to the IMEI code. It is usually printed inside the battery compartment (next to the SIM card tray).
- If the device has a non-removable battery, the numbers will be printed either on the removable SIM card or on the back cover of the device.
- Alternatively, it can also be displayed on the display of the device, when using special codes or by clicking on the system menus of the smartphone.
The IMEI is used by the GSM network to identify the "correct" phones, so if the device has been stolen, it can be blocked simply by using this number. In the case of stolen or lost mobile phones, it is enough to call your mobile operator and, after providing the number, ask to block the device. Then the code will be placed to the "black list" of blocked devices that can no longer be used.
How to check the phone's IMEI
Checking is simple: enter the numbers in one of the portals containing the list and check it.
The IMEI is tied to your phone and has no permanent or semi-permanent relationship with the user. However, the identification of the latter in the cellular network is assigned to the IMI (Internet Mobile Subscriber Identity) on the SIM card.
EMI structure
The identification number consists of a combination of 15 digits, divided into three parts, and contains information about the origin, model and serial number of the device. First eight digits, called the type allocation code, refers to the model and country of origin of the device. The next six refer to the serial number of the device and are determined by the mobile device manufacturer. The last digit is the control number.
How to recognize him
Finding the universal code for your device is far from a difficult task. In fact, there are several methods more or less applicable to all types of mobile phones or mobile devices.
- Remove the back of the phone, lift up the battery and find the 15 digit code in the label on the battery compartment.
- If the phone's battery is not replaced, a code will be printed on the removable carriage (for example, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4) or on the cover (such as for iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPad, iPod touch, and Nexus).
- Enter the code * # 06 #, the code will be displayed immediately on the phone's display.
- In the sales package of the device, find the label with identification data (usually used as a packaging seal) and read the code under the inscription "IMEI".
- If you have an Android, just type "Phone settings", open the "Phone Information" section (usually the last menu item) and go to the state. Here, among the various information that you will find, you will also find the code you are looking for.
- If you have iOS, click "Settings", go to "General" and click "Info" to view serial numbers, IMEI/MEID and ICCIDs.
Is it possible to change IMEI
As with the MAC address of your network devices, you can change the IMEI for a single smartphone. To do this, you need to have the appropriate tools to flash devices via serial or USB cable. In some cases (for example, for smartphones) you can reprogram the code using a special software or with firmware or OS versions that are created ad hoc to change the device code.
However, you need to be very careful. Changing this data is equivalent to change the device identification code and is comparable to the use of a false or counterfeit identification card or document. It is also used in case of theft or loss of the device to block it and make it unusable: it cannot be done by modifying it. In most countries it is forbidden to change the IMEI, while in the Mobile Phones Act of England, the owners of tools and devices have the full right to change the data of any of their gadgets.
Video
This video will show you how you can check iPhone by IMEI or serial number.
Flashing the device or installing applications from unverified sources may cause the IMEI to reset. The abbreviation means International Mobile Equipment Identity - an international unique identifier for mobile equipment. This code is written at the software level of the communication modules. If the code is erased, it is impossible to make calls through the smartphone. To restore functionality, you need to change the IMEI on the android.
What is it used for?
The IMEI code is a unique identifier for smartphones that work with GSM and UMTS modules. Consists of 15 digits. The first 8 digits mean TAC / Type Allocation Code, the rest - a serial number with a check number at the end.
The code is set at the factory during manufacture, is used to identify the device on the network, and acts as the serial number of the device. With each authorization in the network, it is transmitted over the air of mobile radio communications.
Advice! IMEI can be used by mobile radio operators and law enforcement agencies and block them at the level of the cellular operator.
How to find out the IMEI of the phone?
First, let's find out if the smartphone determines the identifier. Enter the phone mode and enter the code * # 06 #. The IMEI code or codes will be displayed if the device is designed for 2 SIM cards.
If the inscription "IMEI is not defined" appears in the field, then it is reset.
Advice! You can view the IMEI in the settings, in the "About phone" section, it is written in the warranty card, on the packaging, as well as on the smartphone itself, under the battery.
Change ID
I want to warn you that in some countries changing IMEI is prohibited by law. Therefore, a trip with such a gadget abroad can cause some difficulties. Also, if you are a novice user, it is better to leave the idea of changing the IMEI, as there is a chance of inaccurately harming the device, or turning your gadget into a brick.
Technically, you can change the identifier. However, the complexity of the change depends on the device itself:
- on older devices, you can change it using simple programs and manipulations;
- on new devices (from most well-known manufacturers), to change the IMEI, you need to replace the smartphone chips (processor, controllers, flash memory, etc.), which is not programmatically feasible.
Let's consider two ways to change the Android ID.
Engineering menu
Call engineering menu different for each gadget manufacturer. You can view yours in, on the Internet or in the documentation for your device.
After entering the menu, go through the branch:
Connectivity - CDS Information - Radio Information Phone 1
If the smartphone is designed for 2 SIM-cards, then the Phone 2 section will also be displayed.
On Phone 1, after the letters AT+, enter EGMR = 1.7,"own_IMEI".
In Phone 2 (if it exists), we prescribe EGMR = 1.10,"own_IMEI".
Click SEND AT and reboot your device. If it doesn't work, put a space after AT+.
With the help of Root-rights
To get started, you will need. Then you need to install the Mobile Uncle program (Only works with MediaTek processors). You can see your processor in the "About phone" settings. Now:
IMEI is a unique number that is issued to all mobile equipment at the factory. Usually given number represented as a 15-bit decimal number. Every phone, tablet with mobile phone and 3g/4g modem has such a number. In this article, we will talk about how to view IMEI on an Android phone.
Method number 1. Code * # 06 #.
Probably the easiest and fastest way to see IMEI is *#06#. To use it, open the Calls app and dial given code as shown in the screenshot below.
After you type *#06# on your keyboard, a small pop-up window will appear with your IMEI.
Method number 2. Android settings.
You can also view the IMEI of your Android phone in the settings. To do this, open Settings and go to the “About phone” section (in some cases, this section may be called “About device”). View the device information that is available in this settings section. The IMEI number must also be indicated here. In some cases, in order to view the IMEI, you also need to open it under the "Status" section.
Many smartphone users have come across the IMEI abbreviation and a long set of numbers. They collided and, most likely, passed by. Indeed, you never know the sets of numbers associated with a mobile device. Is it worth paying attention to them?
In the case of IMEI, perhaps it's worth it. The fact is that this number is a unique identifier that is assigned to each smartphone. And it serves several extremely useful purposes. In our article, we will tell you how to find out the IMEI of the phone, and what it is for.
What is IMEI
IMEI (from the English International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit international identifier for mobile gadgets. In fact, this is a serial number, which is determined by the operator when the phone goes online. The IMEI number is decoded as follows:
Please note that a dual SIM phone will be labeled with two IMEI numbers for each SIM card slot.
What is the IMEI of the phone for:
- With the help of IMEI, you can get complete information about the device at the stage of purchase by correlating the identifier that is contained in the gadget's system with the one that is printed on the body of the mobile phone.
- Through IMEI, you can recognize a stolen or lost phone and return it to its owner.
- When calling from a phone, the telecom operator determines the IMEI and, accordingly, calculates the location of the gadget. Therefore, through IMEI, you can set up surveillance of a mobile phone or find a lost phone.
- Having found out the IMEI, the operator can block the phone if it falls into the hands of intruders.
- IMEI code is a manufacturer's guarantee in terms of build quality and safety for the user.
How to find out the IMEI code of the phone
To determine an identifier mobile device, there are 4 simple ways available to any user:
Method 1. Through a number combination on the keyboard
Open the numeric keypad on your phone and dial *#06#. After that, IMEI will be displayed on the screen.
Method 2. View inside the phone case
If the phone is equipped with a removable battery, the IMEI number can be found by removing the back cover of the mobile phone and removing the battery. All information about the phone will be placed under it, including the IMEI number or numbers.
Method 3. Look at the package.
The sticker with the IMEI number is placed on the box with the phone. In addition, the identifier is affixed to the warranty card of the device upon purchase. It is very important that the IMEI numbers on the package and on the ticket exactly match.
Method 4. View in phone settings
The IMEI number must be entered in the information list, which can be accessed through the gadget menu:
- Open settings;
- Find the "About phone" section;
- Click on the "General Information" item;
- Go to the "IMEI code data" item.
Why Fly
As you can see from the illustrations, the products of the British company Fly helped us in preparing the material on how to find IMEI. We chose smartphones of this brand for affordability, performance and reliability, which is confirmed by grateful user reviews.
Some people ask the question " how to find imei phone?», « how to see imei? or " how to check imei phone? In this short post, I will tell you how to find imei and how it is useful when stealing a phone.
How to determine the imei of a cell phone?
So, in order to find out the IMEI of your mobile phone, dial “* # 06 #” without quotes on the phone - an asterisk, a pound sign, zero, six, a pound sign. After that, a 15-digit IMEI number will automatically appear on the phone screen.
What is the serial number for if the phone is stolen?
If your phone is stolen, you can ask your service provider to lock your phone. This is where IMEI is needed, i.e. they will block by the imei number you specified. After blocking, even if the attacker changes the SIM card, the phone cannot be used. Therefore, just in case, write down the serial number of your phone somewhere.
To tell the truth, I do not think that it will not be possible to use the phone. I believe that there are craftsmen who reflash mobile phones, after which they "come to life".
And yet, in the list of popular requests, I saw the request "find a phone by imei for free." Let me just say that this is impossible! Only the police can trace the location of the phone. I tried to drive the query into the search. I opened the first site I came across, on it, under various pretexts (download one of the programs), they put an archive with a virus. So, they stole the phone - to the police.
What is an IMEI code, why is it needed and, most importantly, to whom? Many have not even heard of him. Some have heard but don't know. Someone has vague ideas ... According to the definition posted on the Wikipedia resource, IMEI(English cell phones of GSM, WCDMA and IBEN networks, as well as in some satellite phones firmware *#06# on keyboard)...
What is an IMEI code, why is it needed and, most importantly, to whom?
Many have not even heard of him. Some have heard but don't know. Some people have vague ideas...
According to the definition posted on the Wikipedia resource, IMEI(Eng. International Mobile Equipment Identity - international identifier of mobile equipment) - a number (usually 15-digit in decimal representation), unique for each device using it. Applied in cell phones GSM, WCDMA and IBEN networks, as well as in some satellite phones. The IMEI is assigned to the phone during manufacturing at the factory. It serves to identify the device on the network and is stored in the firmware of the device. As a rule, IMEI is indicated in four places: in the device itself (in most cases it can be displayed on the screen by dialing *#06# on the keyboard), under battery, on the packaging and in the warranty card. IMEI plays the role of the serial number of the device and is transmitted on the air during authorization on the network. Also, IMEI is used to track devices, activate hidden functions and block stolen phones at the level of a mobile operator, which does not allow further use of such a device in the network of this operator, but does not interfere with its use in other networks. The model and origin of the phone are described by the first 8 digits of the IMEI (so-called TAC). The rest is a serial number with a check number at the end. Dual SIM phones are assigned two IMEI numbers. Manufacturers are constantly improving methods for protecting software from IMEI changes. In modern devices, IMEI is stored in one time programmable memory zone and cannot be changed software tools(except phones with MTK chipset). In some countries, changing the IMEI is a criminal offense.
Finally, some helpful advice:
Write down the serial number of the device and the IMEI code on paper. Put this cheat sheet with documents that you do not need every day (birth certificates, marriage certificates, education certificates), so as not to lose everything at once. You can find out the IMEI code by typing the combination *#06# . In case of loss of your gadget, this cheat sheet will serve you well in the search, including through checkimei. en.
IMEI(International Mobile Equipment Identity) stands for "International Mobile Equipment Identity", is a unique number that is assigned to each mobile phone, as well as some satellite phones. It is usually imprinted in the device's battery compartment. It can also be displayed on the screen by entering the sequence from the keyboard *#06# . Change IMEI for modern phone without reprogramming the microcircuits or replacing them, it is impossible, since usually this identifier is sewn into the ROM chip.
The IMEI is used in GSM networks to identify devices operating on the network, and therefore can be used to track a stolen cell phone and block its access to the network. For example, if the owner of a stolen phone reports the theft to their mobile operator and asks to add the device to the “black list” by IMEI number, then for this and some other networks the phone will become absolutely useless, and it does not matter if the SIM card installed in the phone has changed.
IMEI is used only to identify the device from which the network is accessed, it does not in any way relate to the owner of the device. The owner is identified using another number - IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity - International Subscriber Identity), which is stored in the SIM card. Theoretically, the IMSI can be spoofed and used with any phone, but many cellular networks are protected, for example, this identifier is sent very rarely during a communication session in order to avoid interception.
The IMEI usually contains 15 digits. The first eight digits are the TAC identifier, with the first two digits in this TAC code indicating the country. The next six digits indicate the serial number of the device, and the last, 15th digit is a control one, with its help the correctness of all digits is checked according to the Luhn algorithm.
The Luhn algorithm is used to check the checksum of the IMEI identifier, it allows you to identify all single errors and almost all permutations of neighboring numbers. The only exceptions are the numbers 9 and 0, located in adjacent positions, their permutation is not detected by the algorithm (for example, if you rearrange the adjacent numbers 90 and 09, this will not be detected).
Consider an example of checking the correctness of the IMEI identifier 359223015426526 containing 15 digits:
1. We discard the rightmost check digit - 14 digits remain: 35922301542652
2. Counting from right to left, we summarize all the numbers located in even positions - the second, fourth, sixth, etc. –3 5 9 2 2 3 0 1 5 4 2 6 5 2
3+9+2+0+5+2+5 = 26
3. All numbers less than five, located in odd positions, should be multiplied by two and added together, and if the number is greater than four, then when multiplied by two, the number nine should be subtracted from the result:
5*2-9+2*2+3*2+1*2+4*2+6*2-9+2*2 = 28
4. Summarize the results: 26+28 = 54
5. Divide the resulting number modulo by ten: 54 mod 10 = 4
6. If the result is zero, then the result is zero, but if the resulting number is greater than zero, then subtract this number from ten: 10 - 4 = 6.
In this example, we got the number 6, which is equal to the control number, so the IMEI numbers of the identifier are correct.